FREEPORT — Freeport football coach John Gaillot doesn't want any of the blame for the Yellowjackets' 34-7 non-conference loss headed in any direction but one.

His own. Gaillot felt his team wasn't ready for what Steel Valley had.

“This game is on me because I didn't prepare them well enough,” Gaillot said. “I just feel bad because I let them down.”

Freeport's woes began on offense with six turnovers, including two interceptions and four fumble recoveries by the Ironmen.

“Our kids come out and play with heart and energy,” Steel Valley coach Rodney Steele said.

Steele said he looked to his secondary to perform well against Freeport's main offensive weapon, quarterback Ryan Weigold. Weigold, who entered the game with 996 passing yards and 12 touchdowns, was 3-for-8 for 44 yards against Steel Valley.

Weigold was injured early in the second quarter and didn't return until after halftime. Josh Beale filled in for Weigold while he was out.

Beale was intercepted twice on four passing attempts.

Steel Valley (5-0) swarmed Weigold with its pass rush. Weigold was sacked four times and the Ironmen forced him to fumble four times.

Gaillot said Weigold was and will be fine.

Where Freeport's offense failed to gain momentum, its defense struggled to stop the Ironmen's mixed assault.

Steel Valley built a 19-0 halftime lead behind a rushing touchdown, fumble recovery return for a touchdown and a passing touchdown.

Freeport avoided the shutout with its first special teams touchdown of the season with a 85-yard kick-off return by wide receiver Dylan Hochbein, making the score 19-7 with 9 minutes, 19 seconds left.

The Yellowjackets comeback hopes were shattered after an unsuccessful onside kick that led to a Steel Valley field goal by kicker Alex Ligeros.

The Ironmen also scored on a 55-yard pass from their quarterback Tre Earl Edwards to wide receiver Kennedy Smith and a 28-yard interception return by cornerback Zai'Quan Henderson.

Steel Valley scored in almost every possible way from both the offensive and defensive side of the ball.

Steel Valley Running back DeWayne Murray finished the game with one rushing and one receiving touchdown, along with a 28-yard pass to Edwards on a trick play.

Gaillot said the defense was losing stamina from being on the field so much, which was emphasized by Steel Valley's use of the running game.

Despite the lopsided score, Steele said the Ironmen beat a good Freeport team.

“They're a tough group of kids,” Steele said. “They're a playoff team.”

Gaillot said all he and his players can do is refocus. He said he needs to regain his players trust by putting in the preparation time.

“Our kids continue to battle,” Gaillot said. “They didn't deserve this outcome.”